guppy

[ guhp-ee ]

noun

, plural gup·pies.

1. a small, freshwater topminnow, Poecilia reticulata, often kept in aquariums.

guppy

/ ˈɡʌpɪ /

noun

1. a small brightly coloured freshwater viviparous cyprinodont fish, Lebistes reticulatus, of N South America and the Caribbean: a popular aquarium fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of guppy¹

Named after R.J.L. Guppy (1836–1916) of Trinidad, who presented specimens to the British Museum; catalogued under the New Latin name Gerardinus guppyi in 1866

Word History and Origins

Origin of guppy¹

C20: named after R. J. L. Guppy, 19th-century clergyman of Trinidad who first presented specimens to the British Museum

Example Sentences

Sometimes we sally forth in search of adventures in the thick of a 'London particular,' Mr. Guppy's phrase for a fog.

From Project Gutenberg

I wonder if the world, which retails Guppy anecdotes, will be anything the wiser for it.

From Project Gutenberg

The fourth brings us the Jellybys, with Mr. Guppy, and others.

From Project Gutenberg

At luncheon Mrs. Stewart described a sitting with Mrs. Guppy the spiritualist.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Guppy said, Dear spirit (we are always very affectionate you know), would you like the glass?

From Project Gutenberg